Dozens of Cats Abandoned in Vacant Las Vegas Home, Cleanup Underway

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Animal protection authorities are working to rescue dozens of cats left behind in a recently sold North Las Vegas home, after neighbors reported a disturbing scene involving potentially 50 to 100 abandoned felines.

According to KVVU, the issue came to light when a concerned neighbor reached out, claiming the previous occupant had moved out and left the animals behind. Cats were seen by reporters peering through windows and slipping through a small garage opening.

“They’re in everyone’s yard, back and forth,” said neighbor Charles Smith. “If I leave my garage open, they’ll come in there.” Smith, who has lived in the neighborhood for six years, said the cat problem has existed for some time, but has gotten worse since the home was vacated.

Property records show the house was sold in June to a property management company. The City of North Las Vegas confirmed it was notified of the situation on July 19.

A city spokesperson said the cats are feral but had access in and out of the garage. Animal Protection Services has reportedly visited the home more than 20 times in the past six years, working with the Community Cats Program to trap and neuter some of the animals.

However, officials also revealed that the former residents had allowed the cats to live inside the house, worsening conditions.

“It’s really sad to see the situation inside the house,” said neighbor Estrelle Salgado. “They are super skinny, mistreated animals, and none of us knew they lived under those conditions until she moved out.”

Salgado said she and other neighbors have been leaving food and water for the cats. Another neighbor reportedly pried open a window for air, only to discover the extent of the overcrowding.

“It was dark, and you could just see eyes everywhere—even little babies,” Salgado said. “That’s when we realized how many were in there.”

On Wednesday, North Las Vegas Animal Protection entered the home and rescued 17 cats, including four nursing kittens. Sadly, one kitten was found dead.

Authorities say food and water have been left for the remaining cats, and efforts continue in partnership with the Community Cats Program to safely trap and remove the rest.

The property management company estimates interior damage from the cats at approximately $70,000. Cleanup and remediation efforts are now underway.